How to Answer: Do you work well under pressure?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Social Work Internship job interview.
4. Do you work well under pressure?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
During your social work internship, you will be placed in high-pressure situations, and you must work well under pressure. You will be responsible for helping clients with their everyday problems, working with clients who have been abused or have mental health issues, and working in crises. The interviewer wants to hear that you work well under pressure and stay focused on the task at hand.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on giving an example of working under pressure related to your role as a social work professional. Using the STAR method is an excellent way to formulate your response to this question. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Briefly describe the situation, explain your role, the measures you took to solve the issues, and the outcome. The interviewer wants to hear that you can effectively work under pressure during your social work internship.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2022
What to Avoid
If you want to be considered for the position, you want to avoid saying you do not work well under pressure. If you have difficulty working under pressure, learn how to handle stressful situations before your interview. If chosen for the Social Work Internship, you need to be calm and focused on the task to be performed when faced with stressful situations.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2022
Answer Example
" I work very well under pressure. I have not worked as a social work professional before, but I was a paramedic for six years. I was exposed to many stressful situations while working in the field. When faced with a stressful situation, I let my training kick in, which helps me to remain calm and focused. I find that remaining focused on the task at hand keeps my emotions from taking over, which allows me to stay calm while working in stressful environments."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2022